Dave and Tracy & Barry, are excited to share that the Michael Kudish Natural History Preserve and Tranquil Mountain-View Retreat have come together too to offer another wonderful way for you to experience the preserve through guided tours and to become a Friend of MKNHP.It’s simple: when you stay at Tranquil Mountain-View Retreat and tour the Preserve,$25 of the price of your stay will be donated directly to the preserve to further its work and entitling you to become a​​Friend of the MKNHP

​About Tranquil Mountain-View Retreat

This tranquil artist's cottage has two decks overlooking a 180 degree view of mountains and farms. The cottage is located on 80 acres of land with private woods and meadows along with two other family homes. The cottage is totally private and secluded.

All rooms in the cottage are sun-filled with pastoral views. The master bedroom has a queen sized bed and private bathroom. The second bedroom has a double bed and also has a private bathroom.There is a large artist studio with ample work area. There is a fully equipped kitchen. A bbq grill is on the deck.There are many books and plenty of places to sit and read. Peace and quiet abound.

Guests have access to the entire cottage and surrounding woods and meadows. Town is 5 miles away with a supermarket, wine shop, restaurants and shops. Hiking,biking, kayaking and a public golf course are nearby.Horse riding trails are easily accessible.

The hosts home is within walking distance but out of sight.We will respect your privacy and we are available if needed.

The cottage is surrounded by farms and forested hills. The view is inspirational and there are many places to be creative. Nearby there are former railroad tracks which have been converted into hiking and biking trails that go from village to village. The neighboring town of Hobart has over 7 bookstores and an art gallery.A car is necessary. Bikes and kayaks etc. are not provided by the hosts.

Hikes with Mike are scheduled on July 8, August 12, September 17 and October 8, 2017. If you can’t make one of those weekends, guided tours by Dave, or another MKNHP Board Member, may be scheduled during any summer weekend, and on ​weekends and weekdays in September - December.

The Michael Kudish Natural History Preserve located at 2515 Tower Mountain Road in Stamford NY is organized to conduct and distribute research, studies and analysis related to the natural history of the Catskill Mountains “America’s First Wilderness.”

Our Mission is: "To increase awareness and support of environmental conservation,scientific research and long-term sustainabilitythrough education, recreation and artistry."

As stewards of 101 acres of permanently protected land, the preserve supports a biologically rich and diverse population of flora and fauna, in perpetuity. In an attempt to realign a human worldview with the natural world, the preserve uses a combination of visual and performing arts to engage action by individuals and organizations.

Michael Kudish is the foremost Catskills forest historian with the largest collection on vegetation in the Catskills. Kudish is retired Professor of Forestry from Paul Smith College. His goal is to re- create the forest history of the Catskills since the ice age, and has been working on this project since his thesis in 1971. The preserve is named for Mike in recognition of his unique and ongoing contributions to the history of the Catskills forest. Executive Director Dave Turan is a Certified Interpretive Guide from the National Association for Interpretation Association and a Cornell University Master Forest Owner.